Elwyn California

When Nefi transitioned into Elwyn California’s Vista Home, from the state run Lanterman Developmental Center, in Pomona, California, where she had resided for more than 20 years, Rita (her conservator) saw a renewed effort to communicate on Nefi’s part. The Elwyn staff talks to her a lot more, which they really didn’t have the time to do at Lanterman,” she said.

Cindy Hill, Elwyn California’s Regional Director for Southern California at the time, agrees. “Right from the beginning, we made it clear that this is Nefi’s home, and encouraged her to take ownership of her environment,” she said. “And that’s one area where she’s really grown. She feels responsible for her room and her housemates, and she’s motivated to communicate those things.”

Elwyn California’s staff at the Vista Home began searching for specialized communications applications for Nefi’s iPad, but realized that the first step was to help Nefi with the simple task of physically using the device. Her physical challenges, due to cerebral palsy, prevent her from holding a writing instrument or using a conventional keyboard.

With the support of our Information Technology (IT) department Elwyn California was able to purchase a specialized stylus with Velcro straps which can be attached to Nefi’s wrist, and thus allow her to maintain a firm grasp on the pointer. Similarly, Velcro straps are used to secure the iPad to the lap tray on Nefi’s wheelchair. This allows her to focus her vision on the iPad, and use the stylus to launch and use its applications.

The progress made by Nefi has been incredible. This use of assistive technology has not only increased Nefi’s physical strength and reach, but has now unleashed her verbal communication skills. Nefi has begun to repeat words and phrases as heard through her technology!

“For many years, no one realized that she had these capabilities,” Rita continued. “But they’re all being developed here now. It seems like every day I get a phone call about something she knows or something she can do.”

As assistive technology becomes more available to people with developmental disabilities, Elwyn continues to evaluate other clients across its many service lines and explore other areas of potential benefit.

This is what we do at Elwyn California- we make the lives of our residents better. Our residents are among the most medically fragile and behaviorally challenged in the state and like Nefi, most would benefit from iPads and special applications. Thank you for helping us to reach our goal!